DJ Erick Morillo Dead, 'I Like To Move It' Producer Dies At Age 49

DJ Erick Morillo was found dead in his home in Miami Beach Tuesday morning, according to TMZ. His cause of death is currently unknown. He was 49 years old.

The music producer was best known for his song, "I Like To Move It," which he released in 1993 as the leader of the Latin house group, Reel 2 Real, per AllMusic. Following the group's disbandment, Morillo switched his focus to DJ-ing and became one of the most well-known music mixers in New York and London. He also started his own label, Subliminal, in the late '90s, which profited off of his fame. He had a residency at Ministry of Sound in London, the "home of dance music," according to their website. His time there helped him bring his signature sound into the European market, securing the success of his label. He also expanded on his renown with a weekly residency at the Centro-Fly club in New York, called "Subliminal Sessions." He released mixtapes of these sessions via his label as well.

Morillo Was Of Columbian-American Descent, Which Influenced His Music

Getty Images | Michael Tullberg

Although he was born in the United States, Morillo spent his childhood in Columbia, as detailed in AllMusic. He moved back to New York to live with his mother when he was 11 years old, but the foundation of Latin music -- such as salsa and merengue -- appeared to have taken hold of him. After graduating high school, he went on to study at Manhattan's Center for Media Arts, where he began to DJ at local clubs. There, he began to explore the sounds of house music and reggaeton, collaborating with the reggae artist el General on the track "Muevelo," which became his first hit in 1991. That track's success led to him getting noticed by Strictly Rhythm, "the premier house label at the time."

The label paired him with the vocalist Mad Stuntman -- Mark Quashie -- from Trinidad, and the two artists formed Reel 2 Real, releasing their hit dance track "I Like To Move It" in '93, per a second AllMusic article. Even after they parted ways, Morillo continued collaborating with numerous artists, as both a DJ and a producer. His work landed him 15 nominations and three wins for the Best International DJ award at the DJ Awards, "one of the most coveted awards ceremonies in the Electronic music industry," reported HitTheFloor. He was most recently nominated for an award in 2011.

Morillo Had Been Charged With Sexual Battery Prior To His Death

Getty Images | Joe Scarnici

On August 6, Morillo was arrested and charged with sexual battery that allegedly took place in his home in Miami. His accuser told the police, via WPLG, that she had been DJ-ing with Morillo on Star Island and then went back to his home with another woman for drinks. She claimed the other DJ made several advances towards her -- some sexual in nature -- but she refused. She said she then went to sleep in a separate room in the house, but woke up naked. Morillo, who was naked as well, was reportedly standing over her.

Although Morillo initially denied the claims, a rape kit came back positive with his DNA, and the DJ turned himself into the police. It is unclear as of this writing how he was able to return home. He was set to have a court hearing regarding the case on Friday, reported WPLG in a separate article.

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